Abstract: A spin-stabilized spherical jet-propelled missile is disclosed for use in combination with a launching apparatus which includes rotary means for rotating the missile and release means for releasing the missile after a period of initial spinup. The missile includes a housing, an exhaust nozzle on the housing, and a pressure chamber within the housing in communication with the exhaust nozzle. A single explosive compound is disposed as a singular mass within the housing and has a burn surface exposed in the pressure chamber. An impact fuze is disposed on the housing remote from the burn surface of the explosive compound for detonating the explosive compound on impact of the missile.

Abstract: A projectile release mechanism is disclosed for facilitating launching a jet-propelled projectile in the form of a spherical spin-stabilized missile. The mechanism includes a nozzle extending from the projectile, including fusible joint means for heating by high-temperature exhaust gases expelled by the projectile to release the projectile. A projectile support includes an open-ended receptacle generally coaxial with the nozzle for receiving the nozzle and thereby supporting the projectile. Forwardly and rearwardly facing shoulders on the support engage complementary rearwardly and forwardly facing shoulders on the nozzle for retaining the nozzle in the receptacle and permitting fore and aft sections of the nozzle to move out of the open ends of the receptacle on fusing and separation of the fusible joint means. The forwardly facing shoulder on the support means and the rearwardly facing shoulder on the nozzle comprise conical sections generally concentric with the axis of the nozzle.

Abstract: A projectile release mechanism is disclosed for facilitating launching of a jet-propelled projectile in the form of a spherical spin-stabilized missile. The apparatus includes a projectile support means which includes a rotary portion having a register section for receiving a unitary nozzle member which is fixed to the missile, for securing the missile to the support means. A fusible joint is formed integral with the unitary nozzle member and is disposed for heating by high-temperature exhaust gas expelled by the missile to release the missile from the rotary portion of the support means. The fusible joint comprises a peripheral ring portion of the unitary nozzle member, which is of a reduced sectional thickness. A plurality of passages are formed through the reduced ring portion for conducting the exhaust gas through the fusible joint.

Abstract: A method and means for maximizing the use of the kiln capacity in a rotary kiln, directly reducing metal oxides using solid carbonaceous materials as the source of fuel and reducant, is disclosed involving the creation of an annular dam arrangement within the kiln at a selected position between the feed end and the discharge end dams, which arrangement is located and dimensioned with respect to the end dams, such that the materials in the charge bed suitably fill the kiln volume and have sufficient residence time in the feed end portion of the kiln, to permit adequate heat transfer thereto, thus minimizing the portion of the kiln needed for preheating and maximizing the remaining portion of the kiln available for reduction.

Abstract: A method and means for improved control of the process for directly reducing materials containing iron oxides in a rotary kiln using a solid carbonaceous reducing agent, such as coal, introduced from the charge feed and discharge ends of the kiln, as the source of both fuel and reductant, and oxygen-containing gas introduced along the kiln length is disclosed wherein the portion of the reducing agent fed at the discharge end is blown as a stream in a prescribed manner into the discharge end of the kiln. In particular, the important features of the stream are described including its longitudinal distribution and axial spread over the charge bed, as well as its contact region with the kiln walls and the quandrants of the kiln barrel into which it is directed, whereby the bed and gas phase temperatures may be controlled and heat transfer to the bed enhanced.

Abstract: A method and means for improved control of the process for directly reducing materials containing iron oxides in a rotary kiln using a solid carbonaceous reducing agent, such as coal, introduced from the charge feed and discharge ends of the kiln, as the source of both fuel and reductant, and oxygen-containing gas introduced along the kiln length, is disclosed wherein the portion of the reducing agent fed at the discharge end is injected in the form of two or more streams through the discharge end of the kiln onto the charge bed in such manner as to permit close and efficient control of the process, particularly when carried out in larger kilns.

Abstract: A method for maintaining the sulfur level below 0.05% by weight, and preferably below 0.02% by weight, in the DRI product from the process for directly reducing ore containing iron oxides in a rotary kiln using a solid carbonaceous reducing agent, fed at the materials feed end and at the discharge end of the kiln, as both fuel and reductant is disclosed, identifying the important factors in the process affecting the sulfur levels in the DRI and steps and means for properly controlling these factors.

Abstract: A method and means for improving the efficiency of the process for directly reducing ore containing iron oxide in a rotary kiln using a solid carbonaceous reducing agent, such as coal, introduced from the ore feed and discharge ends of the kiln, as both fuel and reductant, is disclosed wherein the charred coal or char found in the discharge product is recycled into the process at the discharge end of the kiln rather than the feed end as in the prior art. In particular, the recovered char, both coarse and finer particles, are transported to a recycle bin from which they are returned at a preselected rate to the kiln process by being injected along with the coal blown into the discharge end of the kiln. Alternatively, the recycle char alone may be fed without any coal at the discharge end of the kiln.

Abstract: A method and means for maintaining optimum operation of the process for directly reducing iron oxides in a rotary kiln, using a solid carbonaceous reducing agent, such as coal fed at both the charge feed end and discharge end as the source of fuel and reductant, and oxygen-containing gases is disclosed wherein the DRI product, charred coal or char, and fine waste found in the kiln discharge materials from the discharge end are separated and measured for fixed carbon content and the process parameters may be adjusted to optimum by establishing an appropriate percentage by weight, in the range from 5% to 15%, of fixed carbon in the total of these discharge materials.

Abstract: A method and means for improving the efficiency of the process for directly reducing ore containing iron oxide in a rotary kiln using a solid carbonaceous reducing agent, such as coal, introduced from the ore feed and discharge ends of the kiln, as both fuel and reductant, is disclosed wherein the charred coal or char found in the discharge product is recycled into the process at the discharge end of the kiln rather than the feed end as in the prior art. In particular, the recovered char, both coarse and finer particles, are transported to a recycle bin from which they are returned at a preselected rate to the kiln process by being injected along with the coal blown into the discharge end of the kiln. Alternatively, the recycle char alone may be fed without any coal at the discharge end of the kiln.

Abstract: In the direct reduction process for reducing iron ore to sponge iron of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,890,138 to Hockin wherein all of the air supply tubes along the rotary kiln inject air toward the discharge end of the kiln it has been found that by reversing the direction of injection of the air from one or more of the tubes in the preheat zone of the kiln the condition of the off-gases can be considerably improved without affecting the process in the reduction zone and ultimately the quality of the resulting product and improved preheating of the kiln charge can be effected without the formation of undesirable kiln accretions.

Abstract: A method and means for improving control of the process for directly reducing ores containing iron oxide in a rotary kiln using a solid carbonaceous reducing agent, such as coal, introduced from the ore feed and discharge ends of the kiln, as both fuel and reductant, is disclosed wherein the temperature profile of the moving bed of solids is maintained such that the temperature is moderated to remain below the sintering temperature of the materials in the bed from the feed end zone for about the first two-thirds of the kiln length and the temperature is then maximized within sintering limitations in the working zone which is limited to about the last third of the kiln length. The temperature profile is controlled by regulating the volumes of air supplied to the kiln atmosphere from air injectors at spaced intervals along the length of the kiln, after establishing the appropriate proportion of coal steadily blown into the discharge end of the kiln for the particular process constituents being used.

Abstract: In the direct reduction process for reducing iron ore to sponge iron of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,890,138 to Hockin wherein all of the air supply tubes along the rotary kiln inject air toward the discharge end of the kiln it has been found that by reversing the direction of injection of the air from one or more of the tubes in the preheat zone of the kiln the condition of the off-gases can be considerably improved without affecting the process in the reduction zone and ultimately the quality of the resulting product and improved preheating of the kiln charge can be effected without the formation of undesirable kiln accretions.